The Spanish-American War Memorial

FOSTER PARK, GRAND R APIDS, MICHIGAN

A TRIBUTE TO THOSE FROM A Place of Prominence KENT COUNTY THAT SERVED IN Grand Rapids has long One such item was Grand sculpture as a piece of classic THE: been known for its public art. Rapids’ first public sculpture, art, I would suggest that as a Tourists often visit Alexander the Kent County Civil War community, we have forgotten Spanish- Calder’s La Grande Vitesse monument, dedicated in 1885 the significance it represents. American War while local residents see imag- to a throng of 30,000 people. 1898-1899 es of the piece everywhere This monument does not throughout the community as And yet, by 2000, there belong to one group over any part of the City’s logo. Meijer were no champions for a mon- other. It was presented to the Philippine Gardens provides a world ument of firsts (first to include people of the City of Grand Insurrection class destination for those that a fountain and first to recog- Rapids to serve as a perma- 1898-1902 appreciate outdoor sculptures nize the role of women), as it nent reminder of the service and more. stood in disrepair; neglected and sacrifice of those men and and ignored. A small group women of our community that The China Relief The annual Festival of the of citizens successfully com- served in the Spanish- Expedition 1900 Arts and ArtPrize are classic pleted full restoration and in American War, the Philippine examples of how Grand Rap- addition, reacquainted the Insurrection, and the China ids and its citizens demon- community with its historic sig- Relief Expedition. strate their pride and appre- nificance and reason for exist- ciation for the artistic talents ence. This booklet provides a we have in our community and review of the history of Grand beyond. Rapids’ in the Spanish- American War. Also included Although proper funding in this publication are numer- for our parks has historically ous compelling reasons as to been a challenge, thanks to why we should move our Hiker PREPARED BY: the efforts of Friends of to a more prominent place in

B R U C E B . Grand Rapids Parks and other our community. These reasons BUTGEREIT engaged partners, interest in are based solely on historical our public parks and green documents and the words of 1691 SUMMERFIELD space is on the rise. The cur- the soldiers who fought in the GRAND RAPIDS, MI 4 9 5 0 8 rent effort to rehabilitate our The seal of the war. two memorial parks, Monu- Spanish-American War M E M O R I A L S ment Park and Veterans Me- Historically, the people of OFFICER, morial Park is something that the City of Grand Rapids and DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN, is long overdue and a worthy Another sculpture, the Spanish- Kent County once demonstrat- SONS OF UNION project as reflected in the American War statue called ed a true respect and appre- VETERANS OF THE diversity of the stakeholders “The Hiker,” once dedicated in ciation for the soldier in the C I V I L W A R assembled. a very well-known public park Spanish-American War.

EXECUTIVE DIR. with a large crowd in attend- H I S T O R Y However, in spite of the ance, now stands nearly for- The time has come for us to REMEMBERED, INC. preceding success stories, his- gotten in an obscure park, return the Spanish-American tory reminds us that public partially hidden by trees and War memorial to its proper interest fades over time and shrubs and in need of restora- place in our community and in the meaning or reason for tion. our hearts and minds. We

something's existence becomes owe them that. forgotten or even lost. While some may see the P A G E 2 Some history much sympathy for the Cu- The future Secretary of ban revolutionaries. By early State John Hay described 1898, tensions between the the ensuing conflict as a United States and Spain had "splendid little war." The first been mounting for months. battle was fought on May 1, After the U.S. battleship in Manila Bay, where Com- Maine exploded and sank in modore George Dewey's Havana harbor under myste- Asiatic Squadron defeated rious circumstances on Febru- the Spanish naval force de- ary 15, 1898, U.S. military fending the Philippines. On intervention in Cuba became June 10, U.S. troops landed U.S.S. Maine The Spanish-American likely. at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba War of 1898 ended Spain's and additional forces landed colonial empire in the West- On April 11, 1898, Presi- near the harbor city of Santi- ern Hemisphere and secured dent William McKinley asked ago on June 22 and 24. the position of the United Congress for authorization to After isolating and defeating States as a Pacific power. end the fighting in Cuba the Spanish army garrisons in U.S. victory in the war pro- between the rebels and Cuba, the U.S. Navy de- “...a splendid duced a peace treaty that Spanish forces, and to estab- stroyed the Spanish Caribbe- little war.” compelled the Spanish to lish a "stable government" an squadron on July 3 as it relinquish claims on Cuba, that would "maintain order" attempted to escape the U.S. - Future and to cede sovereignty over and ensure the "peace and naval blockade of Santiago. Secretary of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the tranquility and the security" State Philippines to the United of Cuban and U.S. citizens on On July 26, at the behest John Hay States. The United States the island. On April 20, the of the Spanish government, also annexed the independ- U.S. Congress passed a joint the French ambassador in ent state of Hawaii during resolution that acknowledged Washington, Jules Cambon, the conflict. Thus, the war Cuban independence, de- approached the McKinley enabled the United States to manded that the Spanish Administration to discuss establish its predominance in government give up control peace terms, and a cease- the Caribbean region and to of the island, foreswore any fire was signed on August pursue its strategic and eco- intention on the part of the 12. The war officially ended nomic interests in Asia. United States to annex Cuba, four months later, when the and authorized McKinley to U.S. and Spanish govern- John Hay The war that erupted in use whatever military ments signed the Treaty of (also served as 1898 between the United measures he deemed neces- Paris on December 10, secretary for States and Spain was pre- sary to guarantee Cuba's 1898. Apart from guaran- President ceded by three years of independence. teeing the independence of Abraham fighting by Cuban revolution- Cuba, the treaty also forced Lincoln) aries to gain independence The Spanish government Spain to cede Guam and from Spanish colonial rule. rejected the U.S. ultimatum Puerto Rico to the United From 1895-1898, the violent and immediately severed States. Spain also agreed to conflict in Cuba captured the diplomatic relations with the sell the Philippines to the attention of Americans be- United States. McKinley re- United States for the sum of cause of the economic and sponded by implementing a $20 million. The U.S. Senate political instability that it naval blockade of Cuba on ratified the treaty on Febru- produced in a region within April 22 and issued a call for ary 6, 1899, by a margin of such close geographical 125,000 [GR Herald report- only one vote. proximity to the United ed 100,000] military volun- States. The long-held U.S. teers the following day. That (The website below provides interest in ridding the West- same day, Spain declared more on the Philippine Insur- ern Hemisphere of European war on the United States, rection and the China Relief colonial powers and Ameri- and the U.S. Congress voted Exhibition.) can public outrage over bru- to go to war against Spain tal Spanish tactics created on April 25.

http://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/Spanish_american_war

THE SPANISH - A M E R I C A N P A G E 3 National headlines

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85066387/1898-04-26/ed-1/seq-1/ http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052118/1898-04-21/ed-1/seq-1/ Local headlines http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85058130/1898-04-26/ed-1/seq-1/

“War Against Spain;” Grand Rapids Herald; Date: 04-26-1898; Issue: 4871; Page: [1]; NewsBank “Mayoral Proclamation;” Grand Rapids Herald; Date: 04-24-1898; Issue: 4869; Page: [3]; NewsBank “On To Cuba;” Grand Rapids Herald; Date: 04-26-1898; Issue: 4871; Page: [1]; NewsBank Kent County answers the call P A G E 4 The Grand Rapids Herald wrote,

GOODBYE, BOYS, HURRAH! Farewell, and if Forever, Still Forever, Fare Thee Well!

Today the grim realities of war will come very close to many Grand Rapids families. It will come

very close to many whose regard for those who leave for the front is very dear. To all there will come

a feeling of solemnity and of anx- ious thought concerning those who go away from us this April morn-

ing. They go with the good will and Godspeed… Over 475 men

“Rush of Recruits”; The Evening Press ;Date: 04-24-1898; Page: [3]; NewsBank served from Kent County. In The boys from Grand Rapids orders on Saturday, April 23, Michigan, ten men were quick to answer the call for 1898 and on Tuesday, April 26, volunteered for troops by President McKinley. In the men marched through the every one that fact, so many young men enlisted streets of Grand Rapids to to serve that men were turned board the train for Island Lake in could be accepted. away. Livingston County and then to the front. The units received their marching A patriotic and supportive community

GRPL Collection 54 Box 21 Folder 3 GRPL Collection 54 Box 44 Folder 6 SpanAm 1898 Leaving Union Depot Leaving Union Depot

GRPL Collection 54 Box 44 Folder 6 SpanAm 1898 GRPL Collection 54 Box 21 Folder 3 SpanAm 1898

Leaving Union Depot Marching Down Canal Street

GRPL Collection 54 Box 21 Folder 3 SpanAm 1898 GRPL Collection 54 Box 44 Folder 6 SpanAm 1898

The story header read in the Rally in Campau Square - Note people on roof tops and the utility poles. Evening Press on 4.26.1898 -

WITH HEADS BARED Veterans Watched the Troops Board Their Train

ANOTHER BIG CROWD Saw Departure from the Union Depot

Mothers Smiled Through Tears and Sisters and Sweethearts Wept Their Pretty Eyes Out

In Ionia St; at the depot, the es- cort opened ranks, and the heads of the old veterans, members of the veterans corps, Sons of Veter- ans and the Elks were bared as the troops passed through their lines.

The parade was led by the Grand Army of the Republic. Fathers to many of the soldiers.

GRPL Collection 54 Box 44 Folder 6 SpanAm 1898 P A G E 6

“Noble Sons of veterans (by blood) As it was in 1861, when their Franklin was a member of and Co. B, 35th Michigan Infan- sons of fathers answered President Lin- the Perry Camp No. 9, Sons of try. Grand Rapids was well- coln’s call for troops to help pre- Veterans and one-time Com- represented by men with rank serve the Union, so too did the mander of the Department of from officer to private. patriotic sons of veterans of the Civil Michigan, Sons of Veterans. War answer the call when their Although the 35th Michigan sires.” nation needed them in 1898. When it was obvious that never left the United States, the America would go to war with 33rd saw heavy action in Cuba. Ernest B. Fisher, Historian Franklin D. Eddy, prominent Spain, Franklin personally raised 1918 Grand Rapids business man and two companies of troops made As did their fathers in the a two-term Clerk of Kent Coun- up entirely of sons of Civil War Civil War, more men would die ty, was the son of William Eddy, veterans (by blood) and mem- from disease than from battle a soldier in the 50th NY Engi- bers of the Sons of Veterans (by wounds. neers during the Civil War. association). These units were Co. L, 33rd Michigan Infantry

Sons of Veterans (Association) In 1881, the Grand sponsored Camps of the SV. In all those who have served in our Army of the Republic 1925, the SV name was nation’s military. (G.A.R.) formed the Sons changed to Sons of Union Veter- of Veterans of the Unit- ans of the Civil War (SUVCW), We have been actively in- ed States of America under which its federal charter volved in patriotic education (SV) to carry on its tra- was issued in 1954. The SUVCW programs as well as historic ditions and memory long after is legally recognized as the heir preservation and restoration the G.A.R. had ceased to exist. to, and representative of, the projects in Grand Rapids, the Membership was open to any G.A.R. State of Michigan and other man who could prove ancestry states. to a member of the G.A.R. or to From its inception until after Gen. John A. Logan a veteran eligible for member- WW I, the Sons of Union Veter- ship in the G.A.R. In later years, ans served as a national guard Originator of men who did not have the ances- unit for the U.S. military. Memorial Day try to qualify for hereditary membership, but who demon- Today in Grand Rapids, the strated a genuine interest in the General John A. Logan Camp Civil War and could subscribe to No. 1, Sons of Union Veterans the purpose and objectives of of the Civil War proudly keeps the SUVCW, were admitted as green the memory of the Grand Associates. Many G.A.R. Posts Army of the Republic and honors

Those that answered the call for troops included forty members of the Elks Other organizations Lodge No. 48. The Y.M.C.A. saw a number of enthusiastic that they both ciation applied to serve its members enlist. They enlisted. as nurses. also sent instructors to min- ister to the soldiers. Five men from the The Sophie de Marsac Grand Rapids Medical Campau Chapter of the Roy R. Gillson and College announced their DAR made bandages. James Mackay, two mem- enlistment. bers of the [G.R.] Herald Fountain Street Church staff went to the armory to Five nurses from the held an “Army Day” pro- get reports and were so United Benevolent Asso- gram with the Y.M.C.A. “Elks” The Evening Press ; Date: 04-25-1898; Page: [1]; NewsBank

P A G E 7 Honorable service & sacrifice Over 4,000 citizens turned out for The August 8, 1898 issue of broke out. From the Michigan Soldier Private Adams’ the Evening Press read - Obituaries, 1899-1938 by funeral in Greenwood ...At the time of his enlistment Francis Hall [a member of the Cemetery. HARRY ADAMS DEAD he weighed 160 pounds and was Sons of Veterans], the obituary - Evening Press First Loss in the in prime physical condition, never for Private Jozeph C. Fabiszak Grand Rapids Troops having a sick day in his life, and read - was as strong as the strongest. A VICTIM OF TYPHOID With the sharp volley of rifles ...W.G. Herpolsheimer said: “I of friends and associates and the The floral tributes for Fernandina, Florida - The second cannot say how grieved and sad sound of the bugle playing Private Proper were numerous and the death in the ranks of the Thirty- shocked I am...We have several taps over his last resting place, sermon was a fitting Second Michigan occurred at of our young men in that regi- the body of Jozeph C. Fabiszak, one for the occasion, 9:10 this morn- ment, and we have assured them formerly a private, Company K, the young hero being ing, when Pri- all that they could have their 4th U.S. Infantry, the first contri- eulogized for his vate Harry Ad- places back when they returned. I bution of this city to the dead list sacrifice to the ams of Co. E, am sorry that Harry cannot come of the Philippine Insurrection was country. Grand Rapids, back to take his place again.” laid in his grave yesterday morn- - Herald passed away. ing. He had been The remains will be brought unconscious home for burial. ...The internment took place at Other casualties of the since early yes- Mt. Calvary single grave section war include: terday morning The September 14, 1898 issue and was conducted according to and was kept of the Herald ran this story - the regulation military form. Clifford Curtis, up on stimulants. Everything pos- Wounded in Cuba, Co. L, 33rd MI & Sons sible was done for him, but in WRAPPED UP IN THE FLAG The obituary also sadly stated of Veterans (Sand vain. His company officers and a The Body of Private George that through miscommunication, Lake) number of his comrades had been Proper Arrived Last Evening there was no family to greet the with him continuously since last body upon its return to Grand W.F. Knox, night, and were with him when he Wrapped in the folds of the Rapids and as a result, the body Wounded in Cuba, died. flag he died for, the body of (casket) sat on the platform of Troop D, Rough Riders Private George Proper of Com- the depot for a day before (Grand Rapids) Private Adams was nineteen pany E, Third United States Infan- anyone noticed it. All other years old and a great favorite try, was taken tenderly by a trains were met by local citizens. Arthur Maleham, among his comrades. He was squad of seven comrades from Died of Disease always jovial, and even when the the baggage car of the 10:20 in Cuba, company was compelled to grub Michigan Central train last night Co. L, 33rd MI & Sons of Veterans palmetto roots he would cheer his and thence to Durfee undertaking (Grand Rapids) comrades on. He had been with rooms. Beside the carriage the company since shortly after it walked a funeral escort of 10 Gabhart Jung, went to Camp Eaton on April 26. soldiers and two sailors. Died of Disease in Cuba, The body will be embalmed The deceased died at Camp 22nd U.S. Infantry (Grand Rapids) and sent to Grand Rapids. Wikoff last Thursday from a fe- ver. He was the son of Thomas John Van Breda, ...Harry F. Adams, who is the Proper of No. 110 Evergreen Died of Disease first of the Grand Rapids boys to Avenue, who was himself a sol- in Porto Rico, meet death in this war, was a dier in the Grand Army [Civil Co. A, 2nd WI (Grand Rapids) native of this city; and 19 years War]. Funeral services will be old. He was a son of William K. held at ten o’clock this morning at Fred L. Riddle, Adams and brother of Fred J., the Immanuel Presbyterian Church Died of Disease Willis L., W.R. Adams and Mrs. with full military rites at the grave in Porto Rico, Henry Ramad (sp?). He was for in the Valley City Cemetery under 19th U.S. Infantry two years in the employ of the the direction of the local G.A.R. (Grand Rapids) Western Union Telegraph compa- and the boys who are home. August M. Erickson ny, first as messenger and later Killed in Action as night clerk, but resigned to in Philippines enter the employ of Voigt, 19th U.S. Infantry Herpolsheimer & Co., for whom (Grand Rapids) he was working when the war “Harry Adams”; The Evening Press; Date: 8.-8-1898; Page: 3; NewsBank “Wrapped Up in the Flag”; The Grand Rapids Herald; Date: 09-14-1898; Issue: 5010; Page: 3; NewsBank “Met By Strangers”; The Evening Press; Date: 10-27-1899; Page 1; Newsbank

The Hiker P A G E 8 A memorial to the There are many differ- the battlefield. The infantry dead. ent styles of monuments soldiers in the war referred erected across the United to themselves as “hikers.” The 1928 States to commemorate the Spanish-American War, There is another version dedication ranging from bronze tablets of The Hiker in existence as ceremony listed to inscribed boulders and designed by Allen Newman the names of over statues. in 1904. (There are about sixty (60) names in twenty versions of that more whose memory the In Grand Rapids, the rakish-looking soldier.) monument was statue known as The Hiker, dedicated. was designed by a woman, In the dedication photo Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson in below (left) in Lookout Park, 1906. The first piece was some of the men pictured created for the University of include Charles Belknap, Minnesota, and after the Grand Rapids Mayor Alvin The statue is made Gorham Manufacturing Swarthout, Michigan Gover- of 3/8” bronze Company purchased the nor Green and Ex-Governor and hollow. rights to the statue, they cast Osborne. The ceremony GRPL Collection 54 Box 18 Folder 3 at least 50 Hiker statues. was conducted on April 28, It was cast at the Only two exist in Michigan 1928. A large turnout The boulder was from Gorham Foundry with the second one in Kala- helped the Guy V. Henry Mill Creek near the North in Rhode Island. mazoo. Camp No. 3, United Spanish Park Boy Scout Camp and War Veterans commemo- was hauled by rail down- The statue depicts a hero rate their service and sacri- town. A team of six horses The bust of stripped of his parade uni- fice in the Spanish-American pulling a flatbed was Abraham Lincoln form and shown as a soldier War. pushed by a motor truck to in Lincoln Place reacting to the challenges of get the boulder to Lookout. was also cast by Gorham.

1 3 2 In 1957, the United Spanish War Veterans petitioned the City to move the statue to Veterans Memorial Park but the request was denied.

Monument Park at 4 that time was too small to accommodate the statue.

Baldwin Park already had the statue of Charles Belknap in it. 1. GRPL Coll 59 Box 1 Fold 6 No. 153 2. Coll. 43 Box 1 Fold 6 No. 266 3. Coll 43 Box 1 Fold 6 No. 262 4. GRPL Coll 43 Box 1 Fold 6 No. 262

THE SPANISH - A M E R I C A N P A G E 9 1957 to present (we’ve been here before) In the City Archives, Letter dated March 19, With the thought in mind there are a series of letters 1957: that this Memorial is the between the veterans of the property of the United Span- Spanish-American War, “At the meeting of the ish War Veterans, and while United Veterans Council of United Veterans Council of not wishing to create any Kent County, and the City of Kent County held on March disturbance, but wishing only Grand Rapids regarding 12, 1957 it was resolved to to preserve our monument, moving the Hiker. request of the City of Grand we do urge the City Commis- Rapids the moving of the sion to allow Mr. Fred C. Letter dated March 8, Spanish War memorial from See, Supt. of Parks, to move 1957: Lookout Park to Veterans our Spanish War Memorial Memorial Park. This request HIKER from Lookout Park to “At the regular meeting and petition is in concurrence a location in the Foster of Guy V. Henry Camp No 3, with the request of the Guy Park….” United Spanish War Veter- V. Henry Camp , United ans, Thursday evening, Spanish War Veterans who What was the Explana- March 7th, 1957 it was are also urging the moving tion? voted to grant Fred C. See, of the Spanish War Memori- Supt. of Parks the right to al to Veterans Memorial No documentation has remove our Spanish War Park. been found as to what the Memorial Monument from explanation was to not ap- Lookout Park to a new loca- The reasons for such prove moving the Hiker into tion in Veterans Memorial request are readily appar- Veterans Memorial Park. Park on Fulton Street. ent as the memorial is lo- cated in an out-of-the-way Why not Monument Park? At the time our HIKER location where it does not Monument was placed in receive the interest and Here again we can only Lookout Park, that seemed prominence it deserves. assume that many thought the only possible spot. But the Furthermore, with the re- Monument Park too small as late William H. Zylstra Com- vamping of Veterans evidenced by a decision of mander of Camp No 3 in Memorial Park in process the City Commission in 1900 1928, his committee includ- this would enable the to remove the Spanish- ing the Honorable Fred W. change without serious dis- American War trophy from Green who was Governor of arrangement of plans, and Monument Park. The trophy Michigan at that time, and bring all of the war memo- was a cannon from the also a member of this camp, rials together in the loca- Spanish ship the Marie Tere- were assured by our Mayor tion where they belong, in sa, given to the City for the of 1928 that if and when Veterans Memorial Park…” services of its citizens during another location might come, the war. that the city of Grand Rapids Letter dated April 6, 1957: would make the change of Is this our chance location. “It has been fully ex- to get it right? plained to us that the type of From all that we know of our Spanish War Monument See page 11 for more. the bad treatment (and that's would not fit the surroundings a real lot) it will be wonder- of the new Veterans Memori- ful to see it in the Veterans al Park. Memorial Park….” Foster Park at Prospect and State street has been suggested as an ideal alter- nate location.

City of Grand Rapids Archives; Supporting Documentation for Proceedings; Nos. 4298, 4337, 5655, and 5751

THE SPANISH - A M E R I C A N P A G E 10 The historical link As a historian, and in my role In researching the Spanish- Two) We have a responsibility as the Memorials Officer for American War and the contribu- to remember the service and both the General John A. Logan tion Grand Rapids made, it be- sacrifice of the soldier in the Camp No. 1 and the Depart- came quite clear that I knew Spanish-American War just as ment of Michigan, Sons of Union very little. Yes, I knew that the we do the veterans of other Veterans of the Civil War, I sons of the veterans of the Civil wars. The monument to the sol- have been extremely successful War had served in the Spanish- dier of that war deserves to be in connecting the present to the American War but that was near the monuments to the sol- past. about it. Even then I thought that diers of the Civil War, WW I, that might be enough to propose WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, moving the Hiker to Veterans and Afghanistan. Memorial Park or Monument Park. Three) This monument is a trib- ute to the Spanish-American However, after spending War soldiers from Kent County; vast hours on the Internet, in the not just Grand Rapids. All of the Grand Rapids Public Library other monuments are tributes to and in the City Archives, I firmly those from Kent County as well. believe that events of the past have made it quite clear that we Four) With no disrespect to are obligated to move the Foster Park, it is not a place of Spanish-American Hiker to Vet- prominence as is Monument Park erans Memorial Park or Monu- and Veterans Memorial Park. The Spanish- In order to connect the pre- ment Park. American War did sent to the past, I conduct exten- Five) The City has spent a much to unify the sive research in order to conduct The Hiker is the link between great deal of time seeking pub- country after the a rededication ceremony that Monument Park and Veterans lic input in an effort to rehabili- Civil War. mirrors the original dedication Memorial Park. The reasons tate Monument Park and Veter- service. Here in Grand Rapids, why it should be (or can be) ans Memorial Park. This effort Former Blue and a large number of such ceremo- moved are as follows: will generate an even greater Gray served nies once again found organiza- interest in the parks and the together on the tions such as the Grand Rapids One) By moving the Hiker, we memorials in them. Fire Department, the Kent Coun- would be honoring the wishes of same field of ty Prosecuting Attorney, the of- the veterans of that war. Just To honor the service and sacri- battle. fice of the Mayor, the Schubert because they can no longer fice of all of the wars in which Male Chorus and many others speak doesn’t mean we shouldn’t Grand Rapids and Kent County standing where their predeces- listen. men and women served without sors had many years earlier. including the Spanish-American War literally just doesn’t make sense.

Six) The blood relationship be- tween the soldier of the Civil War and his son in the Spanish- American War. To place the Hiker near the monument that honors their Civil War fathers would honor the father and son relationship as well as the Grand Army of the Republic and the Sons of Veterans relation- ship.

A float in the 1925 Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment parade states “American Legion - Carry On” and signifies the passing of the symbolic torch or flag from the Spanish-American War veterans to the veterans of World War I.

GRPL Collection 43 Box 1 Folder 4 No. 193 and 197 P A G E 11 Letters & more from the past While I represent the Sons of Fulton Street Park as Veterans to comply with their wishes. Union Veterans of the Civil War Memorial Park. as a stakeholder in the project That letter stated, In the letter from the United to rehabilitate Monument and Veterans Council of Kent County, Veterans Memorial Parks, I am “...Whereas it is most appro- dated March 18, 1957, to the also the Executive Director of priate that our war dead have the Mayor and City Commission, History Remembered, Inc. park where their memorials are located to bear the name of Vet- “The reasons for such request History Remembered strives erans Memorial Park, and...” are readily apparent as the me- to be “the voices of those no morial is located in an out-of-the- longer with us.” In every pro- The response by the City was way location where it does not ject we’ve been involved in, we in support of the petition and receive the interest and promi- conduct the research necessary stated, nence it deserves. Furthermore, to learn what those no longer with the revamping of Veterans with us said. Too often, we for- “During this month the citizens Memorial Park being in process get the importance of the past of this community are staging a this would enable the change and more often, we somehow drive for funds to construct a without serious disarrangement assume we know better today suitable memorial to those men of plans, and bring most of the on how things should be pre- and women who made the su- War memorials together in the served and/or restored. In preme sacrifice in the defense of location where they belong, Vet- many cases, what we choose is their country…Be IT RESOLVED erans Memorial Park….” not what those from the past that the name of Fulton Park be would agree with. changed to Veterans Memorial What would the veterans of Park out the principles herein the Spanish-American War say One such decision was to mentioned.” today? Would they not say the alter the theme or intent of Vet- same thing except ask that their erans Memorial Park several Another indication as to the monument be placed in Monu- years ago with the decision to purpose of Veterans Memorial ment Park where room now ex- place the Purple Heart Monu- Park can be found on the back ists? ment in the park. While the of a photograph of the WW I current Park Steering Committee pillars, where someone wrote, The United Veterans Council discussed the possibility of re- “To Our Honored Dead.” of Kent County, the Elks Lodge moving the monument out of No. 48, and many others are Veterans Memorial Park, a deci- As shared previously, less supportive of this effort to honor sion was made to allow the mon- than a year later, the United the wishes of the past. ument to remain as long as it Spanish War Veterans and the was not displayed with the other United Veterans Council of Kent war memorials which honor the County petitioned the City to dead. move the Hiker.

In a letter dated May 7, 1956, I share again the most im- the United Veterans Council of portant comments from that ex- Kent County petitioned the City change because I believe that of Grand Rapids to rename today, we have an opportunity

Proceedings Item No. 4298 Grand Rapids City Archives

Proceedings Item No. 5655 Grand Rapids City Archives

Proceedings Item No. 4337 Grand Rapids City Archives  Voigt Milling, Powers and  Private William H. Dean, Walker Casket Co., Co B, 7th U.S. Cavalry Grand Rapids Brass, and [possibly 1st U.S. Artil- nearly every business in lery, Battery A] and resi- Grand Rapids promised dent of Grand Rapids, was to hold open the job of the first soldier to volun- each employee who en- teer to participate in Dr. listed to serve? Walter Reed’s experi- ments regarding yellow  George Fox survived fever? sinking of the U.S.S. Maine and received a gold watch  The new Fulton Street from the City of Grand Bridge in 1928 was dedi- Rapids? cated Dean Memorial Bridge in honor of Wil- sions to provide money liam H. Dean?  The first soldier from ($5,736.71) for flowers,

Kent County to die in the supplies, parades, hospi- Spanish-American War  Grand Rapids received tals and other care for the was Henry F. Adams, Co. one of the 14cm Hontoria soldiers upon their return E, 32nd Michigan of ty- guns from the Spanish home? These events attest phoid fever? His body ship Marie Teresa as a to the fact that at was returned home and war trophy? It resided at  The song Dewey’s Ad- one time, Grand thousands attended his Monument Park and John vance was composed by Rapids was very funeral (buried at Green- Ball Park and finally on the May C. McBride and dedi- appreciative of the wood). grounds where the old cated to the Evening Press soldier in the Span- Public Museum Building is Newsboy’s Band? Am War and today.  Joseph C. Fabiszak was demonstrated as the first casualty of the  Admiral Dewey was given much. action in the Philippines?  The City Commission a large parade in June voted on numerous occa- Should we do any 1900. less today?

Sons of Veterans Spanish-American War Veterans

The 1925 Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment was held in Grand Rapids. Here march the Sons of Veterans, Spanish- American War Veterans and the Grand Army of the Republic The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)